Iron Sworn
Dwarves have always been seen as proud warriors in the history of the world, and that remains true through the Iron Sworn. Traveling mercenaries, they often support city guards during times of unrest or take to the field of battle as auxillary soldiers. Truly mercenary, while some individuals may have grand ideals as a whole they simply work for the highest bidder. Most are trained in at least some weaponry, though about half their number are usually non-combatants such as doctors, laborers, or financeers. Thats not to say that those who do those jobs always cannot fight, but rather that there are plenty of jobs for those not suited to open warfare. Like the Flatlanders, the individuals of a mercenary group are typically related, though outsiders and even non-dwarves are fairly common.
Traveling from city to city, accepting contracts wherever they can, they owe no allegiance to any but are still reliant on them for work and, thus, survival. Due to this, they will never cross someone who currently holds their contract and are known for being upstanding and model soldiers while quartered in a city. On a battlefield, they are trusted companians and fiercesome enemies, making good on every single gold peice spent to hire them.
Expectantly, the eldest dwarf who can still fight is always the leader. No one can challenge them for this position, and there is no maximum age for when they must retire, though they must still be able to don armor without assistance, weild a weapon powerfully enough to kill, and speak with a measured but forceful cadence. Once they can no longer do so, they are retired (according to or against their wishes), and the next eldest takes their place.
Traveling from city to city, accepting contracts wherever they can, they owe no allegiance to any but are still reliant on them for work and, thus, survival. Due to this, they will never cross someone who currently holds their contract and are known for being upstanding and model soldiers while quartered in a city. On a battlefield, they are trusted companians and fiercesome enemies, making good on every single gold peice spent to hire them.
Expectantly, the eldest dwarf who can still fight is always the leader. No one can challenge them for this position, and there is no maximum age for when they must retire, though they must still be able to don armor without assistance, weild a weapon powerfully enough to kill, and speak with a measured but forceful cadence. Once they can no longer do so, they are retired (according to or against their wishes), and the next eldest takes their place.
Encompassed species